§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(Mr. Corry.)
MR. OTWAYsaid, he believed the Bill had not yet been printed, and he thought it was too late to discuss it on this occasion. He intended to raise a very important question — namely, the infliction of corporal punishment. He believed the Bill contained a clause enacting an application of corporal punishment, and he therefore asked the House to pause before reading the Bill a second time. He appealed to the right hon. Gentleman, on the grounds of the rights of Members not to push the second reading of a Bill which Members had not read.
MR. CORRYsaid, it was not usual to print the Marine Mutiny Bill previous to its being read a second time and considered in Committee. Any objection which the hon. Member might have to the Bill could be brought forward in Committee if he would now assent to its being read a second time.
§ MR. DARBY GRIFFITHobjected to the principle of putting off opposition to measures until they got into Committee. It was part of the vicious system of which he had before complained. He also objected to the Bill being read a second time until Members had been furnished with copies of it.
§ COLONEL W. STUARTsaid, he held in his hand two copies of the Bill.
§ Motion agreed to; Bill read a second time, and committed for Thursday.